According to Leaseplan’s 2022 EV Readiness Index, despite increasing interest in electric vehicles (EV) across the European continent, the lack of available charging infrastructure remains a major obstacle inhibiting EV adoption.

The recently released Index is based on a comprehensive analysis of the preparedness of 22 European countries for the electric vehicle revolution. The Index is based on three factors: EV registrations, maturity of EV infrastructure, and government incentives in each country.

“The total lack of government action on EV infrastructure is creating a European charging shortage. As EV prices come down and more drivers go electric, finding an available charging station is increasingly a nightmare,” said Tex Gunning, LeasePlan CEO.

He called the report, “a wake-up call for policymakers across Europe” to invest in a robust and reliable public charging infrastructure across Europe.

“Driving electric is one of the most effective ways we can all fight climate change, and governments need to make it easier, not harder, for everyone to make the switch,” said Gunning.

The 2022 Index key findings include:

• EV numbers increased significantly in almost all European markets, reflecting the increasing popularity of EVs across the continent as more models become available in every segment

• Charging infrastructure is still lags, creating a charging shortage as EV registrations rapidly increase.

• EVs are more affordable than ever with cost competitiveness driven by comparatively lower energy prices for EVs (especially when compared to increased diesel and gasoline prices) and more beneficial taxation arrangements for EV drivers.

• Norway ranked highest in terms of EV readiness; Czech Republic and Poland ranked lowest; and Greece had the most improved score compared to 2021.